The Atlanta Braves completed a trade with the Houston Astros to add two-time Gold Glover Mauricio Dubón. Dubón has won both Gold Gloves as a utility player and figures to play a role for the Braves at shortstop.
The Braves picked up Ha-Seong Kim last season, but he is now a free agent. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, the addition of Dubón does not mean the Braves are done looking at shortstops. The Athletic noted they could still pursue Kim and others, but there is at least one shortstop who may not be an option.
“Corey Seager, owed $186 million over the next six years from a Texas club looking to reduce payroll, theoretically could have been an option,” wrote The Athletic. “But according to major-league sources briefed on his contract, the Braves are one of eight teams on Seager’s no-trade list.”
Seager signed a 10-year, $325 million deal with the Texas Rangers in 2021. HE was named an All-Star in his first three seasons with the Rangers and helped them win a World Series. He is a five-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger.
He would be an elite option for the Braves at shortstop, allowing Dubón to remain in a utility role. However, the addition of Dubón at least sets the Braves up for a plan at shortstop if they cannot find someone better.
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